As Britain celebrates Yorkshire Day, a recent survey has found "Yorkshireness” may be making people happier than we thought.

Although northerners carry a reputation for "tough love", key Yorkshire traits have been identified as going hand-in-hand with happiness.

According to the study, eating Yorkshire puddings, roast dinners and gravy have reported higher levels of satisfaction.

“Yorkshire men and women are very down-to-earth and friendly”

Emma Kenny , TV psychologist

The survey of more than 2,000 Brits across the UK also found that straight-talking, friendly, down-to-earth and proud are the characteristics people associate with the Yorkshire folk.

For most Brits (54%) the Yorkies are straight-talking, closely followed by by down-to-earth (54%). Proud and friendly also came out in the top four traits.

Furthermore, Plusnet – who carried out the survey – found that those who identify with the Yorkshire traits are happier than their peers who do not.

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STRAIGHT TALL: The key to happiness is eating Yorkshire pudding and roast dinners

The attributes that have the most significant correlation to happiness are pride and friendliness.

Folks who identified with being proud and friendly are 5% more likely to say they are happy compared to the national happiness average.

TV psychologist Emma Kenny commented: “Yorkshire men and women have such distinct personality traits that are widely recognised and valued across the UK. They are typically straight-talking and proud, but also very down-to-earth and friendly.

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"All these qualities will influence how they act in day-to-day life, which in turn will affect their emotions including happiness."

On average, people from Yorkshire are 3% more likely to rate themselves as happier than their peers (27%) compared to the national average (24%).

But if you were born in the wrong postcode, worry not as you're not exempt.

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FLAVOUR: Gravy fans are more likely to be happier than their counterparts who don't like gravy

Christmas dinner fails

Research found the very same features show in people outside of the region, but most commonly across the border in the North West where almost half said they were straight-talking.

Thirty-six per cent of Brits normally tuck into a roast dinner once or more a week, while two thirds (66%) can’t go for a month without a Yorkshire pudding – adding to levels of happiness.

Plusnet CEO, Andy Baker, said: “It’s no secret that we love all things Yorkshire here at Plusnet, so to discover that our personality traits and much-loved Yorkshire traditions could actually help increase happiness is the best news to receive on Yorkshire Day! As our call centres are in Yorkshire - there will be plenty of celebrating."

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PRIDE: Being proud was one of the trains most associated with being happy

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HAPPIER: You can start finding out if you are a yorkie a heart by the taking the quiz

Plusnet has made it easier for you to find out. They are challenging people across the UK to find out their Yorkshire personality by taking its Yorkshire Day quiz.

Mr Baker added: "Wherever you are in the UK we hope you can join in with the Yorkshire Day celebrations, whether that’s taking our Yorkshire personality quiz or tucking into a Yorkshire pudding… you never know, it may just brighten up your day!”